Removable concave inserts for a rotary combine

ABSTRACT

A rotary combine includes a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a concave removably mounted adjacent the rotor. The concave is removable in a direction outwardly transverse relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. In a preferred embodiment, a concave assembly includes a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A concave insert is removably mounted to the frame. A method for adjusting the position of the concave assembly is also provided and includes moving at least one of the first and second sides of the frame in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. A method for replacing the concave insert is also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a concave assembly fora rotary combine, and in particular, to an adjustable concave assemblyhaving removable concaves.

[0002] Agricultural combines are well know in the art for harvesting andthreshing a number of various agricultural crops, including for examplecorn, wheat, soybeans, etc. Typically, agricultural combines include aharvesting apparatus, an infeed mechanism and a separating apparatus. Inoperation, the harvesting apparatus reaps the crop, which is planted inthe ground, with the infeed mechanism thereafter feeding the crop to theseparating apparatus.

[0003] Typically, the separating apparatus in a rotary combine includesa rotor, which can extend axially or transversely within the body of thecombine, and which is surrounded at least in part by a perforated cagehaving a plurality of apertures. As shown for example in U.S. Pat. No.5,489,239, issued Feb. 6, 1996 to Case Corporation, the same assignee asfor the present application, the cage can include a series of concavesarranged in a side-by-side configuration, with each concave extendingpartially circumferentially around the rotor. Usually, it is desirableto provide for an adjustment of the concaves, wherein the spacingbetween the concaves and the rotor can be altered to provide for thethreshing of different crops in different conditions. For example, it isknown to pivotally support one end of the concave about an axis, withthe other end thereof being adjustable for movement of the concavetoward and away from the rotor as it pivots about the one end. As such,concaves typically are easily and readily adjustable only along one endthereof, and are adjustable only with relative difficulty at the otherend, which is typically pivotally attached. Moreover, the adjustment ofthe concaves can be time consuming, which can lead to compromises inreaching optimum settings.

[0004] In addition to adjusting the position of the concaves, it alsocan be desirable to have the ability to remove and/or replace one ormore concaves positioned along the length of the rotor. For example, theuser may desire to select the size and shape of the apertures defined bythe concave such that the concave is suitable for harvesting a differentcrop having a smaller or larger grain. It may also be desirable toreplace a concave if, for example, one or more of the concaves becomesdamaged by the introduction of a foreign object, such as a rock, betweenthe rotor and the concave.

[0005] Concaves arranged in a side-by-side configuration can be removedsideways from the combine in a direction transverse to the longitudinalextent of the rotor, as illustrated for example in U.S. Pat. No.3,871,383. Often, however, concaves include a heavy integral framedesigned to withstand the substantial forces imparted by the threshingoperation. As such, concaves typically are of a robust construction,which can thereby lead to the concaves being relatively heavy anddifficult to handle. Moreover, each concave typically spans the entirecircumferential span of the threshing area defined around the rotor,which typically is on the order of about 120 to 130 degrees measuredaround the axis of the rotor. The relatively large size and weight ofthe concaves associated with this span further contribute todifficulties with the handling and installation thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Briefly stated, one aspect of the invention is directed to animproved rotary combine having a rotor with a longitudinal axis ofrotation and a support structure disposed adjacent the rotor. Alongitudinally extending frame has first and second sides spacedcircumferentially around the rotor. Each of the first and second sidesis moveably mounted to the support structure such that each of the sidesis moveable relative to the support structure in a transverse direction.A concave insert is removably mounted to the frame, with the concaveinsert being removable therefrom in an outward, transverse direction.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second sides of theframe are pivotally connected to a first and second shaft respectively.Preferably, a first and second arm extend radially from the first andsecond shafts respectively. A link has a first-end pivotally connectedto the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the secondside of the frame. The first arm is pivotally connected to the firstside of the frame.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a first and second concaveeach have a first and second end spaced circumferentially around therotor respectively. The first end of each of the first and secondconcaves are releasably mounted to a frame. In a preferred embodiment,at least one of the first and second concaves is pivotally mounted abouta pivot axis, which axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis of rotation of the rotor and is spaced circumferentially around therotor. In an alternative embodiment, both of the first and secondconcaves are pivotally mounted about a first and second pivot axesrespectively, with both axes being substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the rotor and spaced circumferentially around therotor. The first and second concaves are outwardly pivotable about thefirst and second pivot axis respectively in opposite directions relativeto each other.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the rotary combine includes alongitudinally extending frame having at least a first and second ribmember extending transversely between the first and second side of theframe. The first and second rib members are longitudinally spaced apartand define an opening therebetween. Each of the first and second concaveinserts is dimensioned to be removed from the first and second sides ofthe frame through the opening in a transverse direction.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a concave is releasably andpivotally mounted about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the axisof rotation of the rotor. A locking member is pivotable between anengaged position, wherein the locking member engages a first end of theconcave, and a disengaged position, wherein the locking member isdisengaged from the first end of the concave. In a preferred embodiment,the first end of the concave includes a pivot shaft and the lockingmember comprises a hook member that engages the pivot shaft.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the invention, the support structureincludes an upper portion having two intersecting, inclined surfaces. Ina preferred embodiment, the upper portion defines and/or supports afloor of a grain bin thereabove.

[0012] In yet another aspect, a method is provided for replacing aconcave in a rotary combine having at least a first and second concaveeach with a first and second end spaced circumferentially around therotor respectively. The first ends of each of the first and secondconcaves are releasably mounted to the frame. In a preferred embodiment,at least the first end of the first concave is pivotally mounted about apivot axis. In an alternative embodiment, the first end of each of thefirst and second concave are pivotally mounted about parallel first andsecond pivot axes respectively. The method includes pivoting the firstconcave in an outwardly, transverse direction about a first pivot axisand disengaging a first end thereof from the support structure. Themethod further includes engaging a first end of a replacement concavewith the support structure and pivoting the replacement concave aboutthe first pivot axis in an inwardly, transverse direction.

[0013] In yet another aspect, a method for replacing a concave insert ina rotary combine includes removing the concave insert through an openingdefined between a first and second rib member of a frame. A replacementconcave insert is thereafter inserted through the same opening.

[0014] The present invention provides significant advantages over otherrotary combines. In particular, a concave assembly having a first andsecond side both moveable in a transverse direction, and preferablyincluding movement in a transverse lateral direction, allows for a quickand easy adjustment of the concave relative to the rotor, and alsoprovides the user with more flexibility in controlling the space betweenthe concave assembly and the rotor. For example, as the concave assemblyis moved in a transverse lateral direction, the concave assembly canalso be rotated independently thereof so as to maintain a desiredspacing between the rotor and concave assembly along the entirecircumferential span of the concave assembly. In this way the user canbetter control the pinching that can occur between the concave and therotor.

[0015] In addition, by providing a frame that is mounted to a supportstructure, the concave inserts, which are removably mounted thereto, canbe made with smaller and lighter structure, since the concave insert isnot alone required to carry the loads applied by the threshingoperation. Rather, that function primarily is left to the underlyingframe. Accordingly, the concave inserts can be made lighter andtherefore can be more easily handled and manipulated by the user.Similarly, by providing at least a first and second concave insertdefining the circumferential span of the concave assembly, both the sizeand weight of the concave inserts can be greatly reduced, so as to againfacilitate the removal and replacement thereof. Moreover, as a result,the overall combined circumferential span of each of the at least firstand second concave inserts can be increased. For example, the combinedthreshing span can be approximately 180 degrees, with each of a firstand second concave insert each having a span of approximately 90degrees. In this way, the overall threshing area of the concave assemblycan be increased without increasing the size and weight of the concaveinserts, and the attendant difficulty in the handling thereof. Indeed,the size and weight of each concave insert can actually be reduced,while at the same time increasing the overall circumferential span ofthe concave assembly.

[0016] In addition, the frame, with its openings, allows for the easyremoval and installation of concaves in a direction transverse to theaxis of rotation of the rotor, for example, from the side of a combinehaving an axially extending rotor. As such, the user can easily installone or more concaves as needed, without disturbing the position of theremaining concaves. For example, a first and second concave can bereleasably attached at circumferentially spaced ends, so as to therebyallow the user to remove one or more of the concaves in an outwardlytransverse direction without disturbing the other of the concaves.Furthermore, the pivotable locking member allows the user to quickly andsecurely engage and disengage at least one end of the concave.

[0017] In addition, the overall construction of the assembly and theinterchangeability of the concaves, which can be made smaller and atless cost. allows the user to replace the various concaves in a morecost-effective manner than is presently realized in the industry.

[0018] The support structure with its inclined upper surfaces alsoprovides significant advantages. In particular, the construction of thesupport structure provides increased structural strength and stability,while at the same time providing a inclined floor for the grain bin,which can facilitate the emptying thereof.

[0019] The present invention, together with further objects andadvantages, will be best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of anagricultural rotary combine.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a separating apparatus for arotary combine.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a right side perspective view of a concave assemblysupported by a support structure.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a partial left side perspective view of the concaveassembly and support structure shown in FIG. 3.

[0024]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the concave assembly and supportstructure shown in FIG. 3.

[0025]FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial left side perspective view of theconcave assembly and support structure shown in FIG. 3.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of the frame and supportstructure shown in FIG. 6.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a right side perspective view of the frame and supportstructure of FIG. 7 with a pair of concave inserts positioned in aside-by-side configuration.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of the frame and supportstructure of FIG. 7 with a pair of concave inserts positioned in anend-to-end configuration.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a concave insert.

[0030]FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial end view of the concave assemblyand support structure shown in FIG. 3.

[0031]FIG. 12 is a right side perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a concave assembly supported by a support structure.

[0032]FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the concaveinsert shown in FIG. 12 being secured to the frame.

[0033]FIG. 14 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a concaveassembly supported from an alternative embodiment of a support structurewith a locking device in an engaged position.

[0034]FIG. 15 is an enlarged, partial end view of the locking deviceshown in FIG. 14 with the locking device in a disengaged position.

[0035]FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a pair of concave inserts.

[0036]FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodimentof a pair of concave inserts.

[0037]FIG. 18 is a partial section cut of the support structure, concaveassembly, rotor and grain tank taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 2.

[0038]FIG. 19 is a partial section cut of the support structure, concaveassembly, rotor and grain tank taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18.

[0039]FIG. 20 is a left side perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the frame and support structure.

[0040]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aright side concave insert.

[0041]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aleft side concave insert.

[0042]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a support frame for theseparating grates.

[0043]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aleft side grate insert.

[0044]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aright side grate insert.

[0045]FIG. 26 is a right side perspective view of the concave assemblywith covers disposed thereabove.

[0046]FIG. 27 is a right side perspective view of the support structure,rotor, frame and covers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a conventionalself-propelled rotary combine 10 that includes a body or housing 12defining an internal open area or space 13. The body, which can includea supporting frame, is supported on front drive wheels 14 and steerablerear wheels 16. The combine is powered by an engine (not shown) andcontrolled from an operator's station 18. A crop harvesting apparatus20, otherwise referred to as a header, and an infeed mechanism 22 areattached at a forward end of the combine. The infeed mechanism 22 feedscrop materials to a rotor assembly 24 enclosed within the housing. Oneexample of a rotary combine configured with a rotary assembly isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,239, which issued Feb. 6, 1996 to CaseCorporation, the same assignee as the present application, and which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] As best shown in FIGS. 2, 18, 19 and 26, the rotor assembly 24 ispreferably configured as a single axial unit that threshes and separatescrop materials presented thereto into grain and other materials.However, it should be understood that the rotary combine could beconfigured with more than one rotary assembly, for example, with twounits arranged in a parallel configuration. As shown, the rotor assembly24 is mounted in the internal area 13 defined by the housing 12 andincludes a rotor 28 with a longitudinal extent rotatably mounted to thehousing about a longitudinal axis of rotation 30, which extends axiallyalong the length of the combine. It should be understood that the termlongitudinal means of or relating to length or the lengthwise dimension.It should also be understood that the rotor, with its longitudinalextent could be mounted within the housing so as to extend laterallyfrom side-to-side within the combine. It should be understood that theterms “left side,” “right side,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,”“upper,” “lower,” “top,” and “bottom,” and their derivatives, as usedherein are intended to indicate directions relative to the viewspresented in the Figures, and in particular, from a perspective whenviewing the rotary combine from the operator's position in the rotarycombine.

[0049] Between the upstream, or front end, and the downstream, or rearend, of the rotor assembly 24, the crop materials is threshed as itspirals around the rotor 28 against a threshing cage disposed partially,circumferentially around the rotor. The rotor can be dimensioned with abroad range of diameters, depending on the desired size and performancecharacteristics of the combine. For example, suitable rotors may have adiameter in the range of 15 inches to 30 inches, although it should beunderstood that other diameters, larger and smaller, would also work forthe purposes of this invention. The rotor is configured with suitableinstrumentalities 25, as shown for example in FIGS. 18 and 26, mountedon the peripheral surface thereof that cooperate with the threshing cageto thresh the crops introduced therebetween. The threshing cage includesvarious semi-cylindrical concaves 34 and grates 36 provided along alower arcuate portion of the cage. The rotor 28 is preferably made ofsteel, and is generally rotated at speeds of between 150 to 1500 rpm,depending on the type of crop being threshed, and the conditions underwhich the threshing is being performed. It should be understood,however, that the rotor speed is not critical to the operation of theinvention, and that other rotor speeds, faster and slower, may bedesired and suitable for the purposes of the present invention withoutdetracting or departing from the scope thereof.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the concaves 34 and grates 36 each have aplurality of apertures that allow the grain to be separated from theother crop materials as the grain passes through the apertures. Most ofthe grain drops onto a grain pan 38. The grain is thereafter conveyedrearward from the grain pan 38 by an auger mechanism 40 for subsequentcleaning and collection. Straw, tailings arid other waste crop materialare impelled rearwardly out of the discharge end of the rotor assemblywhere a rotary beater throws the straw and other waste materialrearwardly from the combine.

[0051] The combine 10 further includes a cleaning system for cleaningchaff, straw, tailings and other foreign material from the grain. Forexample, the cleaning system can include a cleaning fan 44, a chaffersieve 46, a grain sieve 48 and a clean grain collector 50. A suitableauger mechanism 52 directs clean grain from the collector 50 into ahopper or grain bin. It should be understood that other cleaning systemswould be suitable for the purposes of the present invention withoutdetracting or departing from the scope thereof.

[0052] Now referring to FIGS. 3-6, an improved concave assembly andsupport structure therefor is shown. The concave assembly preferablyincludes a frame 60 and a plurality of concave inserts 80, shown in thepreferred embodiment as six concave inserts.

[0053] The support structure 100 includes a pair of upper rails 102extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the rotor, and a pairof lower rails 104 extending longitudinally along opposite sides of therotor beneath the upper rails. In a preferred embodiment, the rails 102have a Z-shape, and include an inwardly extending upper flange 108, anoutwardly extending lower flange 110, and a vertical web 112 connectingthe upper and lower flanges. The lower rails 104 are attached to a floorof the body 12 with a plurality of fasteners, such as bolts, or bywelding and the like. A plurality of support legs 106 connect the upperand lower rails. The support legs 106 are attached to the upper andlower rails 102, 104 by welding, or with fasteners and the like.

[0054] In addition, a series of transversely extending bulkheads 114 arelongitudinally spaced along the top of the upper rails. The bulkheads114 extend between and connect the upper rails 102. The bulkheads 114are further attached to the bottom of the grain tank 402, shown in FIGS.18 and 19. The bulkheads 114 are preferably made of steel, and areattached to the upper rails 102 by welding or with fasteners. Thebulkheads 114 each include a pair of inclined upper edges 116, and alower arcuate-edge 118, which includes a semi-cylindrical flange thatextends partially, circumferentially around the rotor 28 disposedtherebelow. The upper edges 116 of the bulkheads support a floor 404 ofa grain bin disposed thereabove, as shown for example in FIGS. 18 and19. Preferably, the inclined edges 116 are each formed at an angle ofabout 40 degrees to the vertical, although it should be understood thatother angles would also work. The bulkhead includes a support web 120extending between the upper and lower edges. A spine member 122 extendslongitudinally along the length of the support structure and connects acenter top portion of the bulkheads. The spine 122 is preferably made ofsteel and is secured to each of the bulkheads by welding and/orfasteners. A forward portion of the spine is comprised of two framemembers that extend downwardly from the upper portion of the forwardmostbulkhead to a plate member attached to the end of each upper rail. Asbest shown in FIGS. 18 and 26, sheet members 1024 are installed on topof the bulkheads. A series of arcuate, semi-cylindrical covers 124, bestshown in FIGS. 26 and 27, extend between and connect the lower portions118 of the bulkheads and prevent the grain and other crop materials fromgetting into the space defined thereabove as those materials arethreshed and rotated with the rotor 28.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, the supportstructure includes a truss 204 overlying the rotor. The truss includes apair of upwardly inclined and intersecting upper surfaces 216, whichsupport and help define a floor of the grain bin formed thereabove. Alower portion 218 of the truss extends partially circumferentiallyaround the rotor. The upper surfaces 216 and lower portion 218 areconnected with a plurality of support members 220 extendingtherebetween. In the preferred embodiment, modified Z-shaped rails 202with an upper flange or web 208, lower flange 210, vertical web 212 andan additional upstanding flange 214 connect the upper and lower portions216, 218 along a lower end of the truss. It should be understood thatthe truss can extend longitudinally along the length of the rotor, withthe upper and lower portions and connecting support members eachextending therealong.

[0056] Alternatively, a series of transversely extending trusses can belongitudinally spaced along the rotor in an overlying relationshipthereto, with only the upper rails 202 extending longitudinally alongthe rotor. In this embodiment, lower cover members can be provided toextend between and connect the lower portions of the trusses.

[0057] In either embodiment, the spaces formed between the upper andlower portions 216, 218, and between the support members 220, providesan ideal, protected location for passing utilities 221, such as conduit,fluid lines, cables, wiring and the like, between the front and back ofthe combine. Similarly, openings can be provided in the bulkheadsreferenced above to provide passage for these utilities. These variousutilities can be easily attached and supported by the support structurewith various clips and the like, which can be fastened, for example, tothe support members or to the web of the bulkheads.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 3-9, 11, 14, and 20, the support structurefurther includes a first and second pivot shaft 126, 128, otherwisereferred to as rock shafts, extending longitudinally beneath the upperrails 102 on opposite sides of the support structure, with the pivotshafts circumferentially spaced around the rotor 28. Each pivot shaft126, 128 defines respectively axes 130, 132 of rotation that aresubstantially parallel to the axis 30 of rotation of the rotor and toeach other. Each pivot shaft, preferably formed as a tube, is rotatablysupported by a series of bearing supports 134, which in turn areattached to either to a bottom of the flange 108 of the respective upperrail 102 with a bracket 136, or to the end of the rail, which includes aplate member 138 attached thereto. The shaft alternatively can beconfigured as a solid axle, or can be comprised of a plurality ofshorter support pins spaced longitudinally along the support structure.In a preferred embodiment, the first shaft 126 which rotates on theright side of the rotor 28, is supported at four points, while the pivotshaft 128 on the left side is rotatably supported at two points.

[0059] As best shown in FIGS. 6-9, 11, and 20, a plurality oflongitudinally spaced crank arms 140 (shown as four) extend radiallyfrom the first pivot shaft 126 Three of the crank arms 140 are dualcrank arms having two arm members forming a space therebetween forreceiving a mating member. The rearwardmost crank arm preferablyincludes only a single arm member. It should be understood that any orall of the crank arms could be configured with single or dual armmembers. In a preferred embodiment, the crank arms 140 extend radiallydownward from the first pivot shaft 126 in a substantially, verticaldirection. A plurality of longitudinally spaced dual crank arms 142(shown as two) extend radially from the second pivot shaft 128. In apreferred embodiment, the crank arms 142 extend radially inward from thepivot shaft 128 in a substantially horizontal direction. A plurality oflink members 144 (shown as two) each include a first and second end 146,148, with the first end 146 pivotally connected to an end 152 of thecrank arm 142 with a pin or like member. It should be understood thatthe number of crank arms and bearing supports could be increased ordecreased as desired.

[0060] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the forward mostlink member 444 includes a bracket member 446 adjustably connected withan adjustment member 448. Preferably, the adjustment member 448 isformed as a bolt, which threadably engages the bracket member. Theadjustment member can be actuated by rotation to adjust the frame up ordown along the length of the adjustment member, which preferably extendsin a substantially vertical direction.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 7-9 and 20, the frame 60, 460 of the concaveassembly extends longitudinally and has first and second sides 62, 64,462, 464 spaced circumferentially around the rotor. In a preferredembodiment, the first and second sides 62, 64, 462, 464 preferably arespaced between about 160 degrees to about 190 degrees relative to eachother, and more preferably at about 180 degrees, although it should beunderstood that the sides can be spaced at lesser angles, e.g., 120degrees, or even less. The frame 60, 460 includes a plurality of ribmembers 66, 466 extending transversely between the first and secondsides 62, 64, 462, 464 of the frame. The rib members 66, 466 are arcuateshaped with an upper arcuate edge 174 preferably having a radiussubstantially the same as or slightly greater than the radius of therotor. More preferably, the upper peripheral edge of the right half ofthe rib member has a slightly larger arc than the upper peripheral edgeof the left side, with the right hand and left hand arcs thereforehaving slightly different radii.

[0062] The rib members 66, 466 are longitudinally spaced and form aseries of openings 70 between successive rib members. For example, asshown in FIGS. 7 and 20, the four rib members 66, 466 form threeopenings 70 therebetween, each of which is further subdivided into twosub-openings by a longitudinally extending frame member 68, 468, whichextends between the rib members 66, 466 along a central intermediateportion thereof between the first and second sides of the frame. Itshould be understood that more or less rib members could be used todefine more or less openings therebetween, depending on the number ofconcave inserts to be supported by the frame. Each frame member 68includes a pair of holes 72 formed therein and a support member 74,formed as a block, attached to both sides thereof with a pair offasteners along a bottom edged thereof. The support member 74 provides arest or support for an end of a concave insert while it is beinginstalled and before any securing fasteners are secured. The forwardmostrib member 66, 466 abuts a forwardly extending and downwardly inclinedflange 76 formed on the support structure which cooperates with theinfeed mechanism to prevent grain from escaping through the space formedtherebetween.

[0063] Each rib member 66 includes a first and second end 160, 162, eachof which includes an outwardly extending lower lug 164, 166 having anopening 168, 170 therethrough. The lower lugs 164 and 166 are attachedrespectively to the crank arm 140 and link 144 at openings 168 and 170,respectively. Each lower lug 164, 166 is downwardly displaced withrespect to a top portion 172, 174 of the end of the rib member, with thelug 164 on the end 160 preferably being more displaced than the lug 166on the other end 162, such that as the frame 60 is translated, as morefully explained below, the geometry of the lugs 164, 166 and openings168, 170 permits the concave assembly to maintain the proper cooperativerelationship with the rotor. In an exemplary embodiment, it is desirableto maintain the concave assembly a radially spaced distance of fromabout 0 to about 2 inches, although it should be understood that greaterdistances may also be desirable in certain applications. In addition, itmay be desirable to have a slightly large space or gap formed betweenthe rotor 30 and the concave assembly along the right side thereof, withthe gap slowly diminishing as one follows the concave circumferentiallyalong its circumferential span, otherwise defined as the innercircumferential distance between the opposite ends of the concave. Inthis way, the rotor, which rotates counterclockwise when viewing it fromthe front looking back, introduces the crop material into a larger gapat the right side of the concave with the gap gradually diminishingbetween the rotor and concave from right to left.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 11, a pivot member 178, preferablyconfigured as a shaft or axle, extends longitudinally through each endof the rib members 160 along a first side 62 of the frame, while a pivotmember 180, also preferably configured as a shaft or axle, extendslongitudinally through each end 162 of the rib members along a secondside 64 of the frame. The pivot members 178, 180 are connected with eachrib member 66 adjacent a top portion of each end 160, 162 thereof abovethe lug members 164, 166. An upwardly extending Z-shaped sealing bracket182, which extends longitudinally along the frame, is mounted to the end162 of the rib members. The sealing bracket 182 includes an upwardlyextending flange 184, which cooperates with the lower edge of the cageassembly or the cover attached to the support structure to close the gapbetween the frame and the support structure, so as to prevent grain fromescaping through the space formed therebetween.

[0065] Referring to the alternative embodiment of the frame shown inFIG. 20, each rib member 466 includes a first and second end 560, 562.The first end 560 includes an outwardly extending lower lug 564 havingan opening 468 therethrough. The lower lug 564 is downwardly displacedwith respect to a top portion 572 of the end of the rib member. A pivotmember 578, preferably configured as a shaft or axle, extendslongitudinally through each end of the rib members 560 along a firstside 462 of the frame. The pivot member 578 is connected with each ribmember 466 adjacent the top portion 572 of end 560 above the lug member564. On the second side 464 an upwardly extending Z-shaped sealingbracket 582, with flanges 584 and 590 connected with web 592 whichextends longitudinally along the frame, is mounted to the end 562 of therib members. In addition, the lower end of the links 144 and 444 areattached to lugs extending from or through the bracket 582.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a dual crank arm 186 is attached to andextends radially from an end of the pivot shaft 126. Similarly, a dualcrank arm 188 extends radially from an end of pivot shaft 128. A firstand second actuator 190, 192 are operably engaged with the crank arms186, 188 respectively so as to effect a rotation of the pivot shafts126, 128 respectively. An exemplary actuator mechanism is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,489,239, which was referred to above, and which has beenincorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, it should be understoodthat the crank arms 186, 188 can be manipulated or actuated by anynumber of conventional and well-known systems, including pneumatic andhydraulic cylinders, worm gears, racks, threaded members, turnbuckles,servo devices, and the like.

[0067] In operation, the actuators 190, 192 are preferably linearlyactuated to rotate the pivot shafts 126, 128. As the first pivot shaft126 rotates in response to movement of actuator 190 and crank arm 186,the end 150 of the downwardly extending crank arm 140 pivots about thepivot axis 130 and thereby moves the pivotally attached ends 160 of therib members, or side 62 of the frame, and in particular, the point ofpivotal attachment between the rib member and the crank arm, in atransverse, lateral direction. It should be understood that the termtransverse means any direction, not necessarily linear, within the planeformed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30 of rotation of therotor and the pivot axes of the pivot shafts 130, 132. The rotation ofthe first pivot shaft 126 and the attendant movement of the first side62 of the frame also effects a transverse, lateral movement of thesecond side 64 of the frame as it pivots about the end 148 of the linkmember, which in turn pivots about the end of the crank arm. In essence,the rib members 66, links 144, crank arms 140 and support structure actas a 4-bar linkage which effects a transverse, translation of the framemember in a lateral direction relative to the rotor 28. If the links 144are not parallel, or of the same length as the arms 140, the frame mayalso be slightly rotated as it is translated.

[0068] As the second crank arm 142 is independently rotated by actuator192 and crank arm 188, the end 152 of the crank arm 142 moves the linkmember 144 in a substantially transverse, vertical direction, whichthereby moves the ends 160 of the rib members, or side 64 of the frame,in a vertical direction. It should be noted that this movement does noteffect a similar movement of the other side of the frame, which cannotbe moved vertically due to the direct pivotal connection with the crankarm 140. Rather, the second side 64 of the frame is pivoted about thepivot point 168 or the connection between the first side 62 of the frameand the crank arm 140.

[0069] In summary, in the preferred embodiment, rotation of the pivotshaft 126 on the right side effects a transverse, lateral movement ofthe entire concave assembly, comprised of a primary translationcomponent and potentially a small secondary rotation component, while arotation of the pivot shaft 128 on the left side effects a pivoting ofthe concave assembly about the pivotal attachment of the frame 60 to thecrank arm 140.

[0070] Now referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of concave inserts80, 82 are shown as being releasably mounted to the frame 60 in aside-by-side configuration and an end-to-end configuration respectively.As shown in FIG. 10, each concave insert 80, 82 is arcuate shaped, witha circumferential span of approximately 90 degrees. The concave inserts80 configured in a side-by-side relationship on the right side of theassembly preferably each have an arcuate shape defined by an upperconcave surface of one profile, while the concave inserts 82 configuredin a side-by-side relationship along the left side of the assemblypreferably have an arcuate shape defined by an upper concave surface ofanother profile. Preferably, the concave insert 80 on the right side hasa slightly larger radius than the concave insert 82 on the left side,with both concave inserts 80, 82 having radii slightly larger than theradius of the rotor. For example, in one suitable embodiment, the rotorhas a radius of about 18 inches, while the concave insert 80 has aradius of about 20.5 inches and the concave insert 82 has a radius ofabout 20 inches. It should be understood that the radius of eachindividual concave insert also could be varied along the circumferencethereof. Conversely, it should be understood that the concave insertscould also be made modular, with the same radius of curvature.

[0071] In the preferred embodiment, the concave assembly includes sixconcave inserts, with three concave inserts arranged in a side-by-siderelationship along each side of the concave assembly, and with each ofthe three concave inserts arranged side-by-side on the right sidefurther arranged in an end-to-end relationship with the three concaveinserts arranged side-by-side on the left side. It should be understoodthat more or less concave inserts could be arranged in both thelongitudinal (side-by-side) direction and in the transverse (end-to-end)direction depending on the longitudinal extent or length of the frameand on its circumferential span or width.

[0072] As best shown in FIG. 10, each concave insert 80, 82 includesopposite transversely extending side frame members 84 or ribs, whichterminate along one end in a downwardly extending hook portion 86. Twointermediate frame members 88 also extend transversely along thecicumferential span of the concave insert 80, 82. A plurality oflongitudinally extending frame members 90, configured as bar members,extend between and are connected to the opposite side frame members 84and intersect the intermediate frame members 88. The lowermost framemember 92, which defines an end of the concave insert, includes at leasta pair of openings 94 formed in a lower portion thereof. Along theopposite end, a curved bearing plate 96 extends longitudinally betweenand nests in the opposite hook portions 86 and forms itself a hook. Aplate member 98 is secured to the uppermost frame member 54 with atleast a pair of bolts 56 and includes a pair of slotted openings 58opening outwardly along the bottom of the plate member. The concaveinserts 80, 82 also include a plurality of longitudinally spaced arcuaterods 32 that extend between the ends of the concave insert through theplurality of bar members below a top edge thereof. The spaces oropenings formed between the rods, bar members and frame members formapertures through which the grain passes as the crop materials arethreshed between the concave insert 80, 82 and the adjacent, cooperatingrotor 28. In various suitable embodiments, the openings have a range ofwidths from about a ¼ inch to about ⅜ inch and a length of from about 1inch to about 1½ inches, depending on the type of grain being threshed.The various concave insert components, including the frames 84, 88, rods32, bearing plates and plates 98, are preferably made of steel, althoughother materials would also work.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the rightside concave 80 further includes a pair of openings 700 formed aboutmidway in the frame members 84 or ribs. The left side concave insert 782is similar to concave insert 82, but the frame members 784 do notterminate in a hook portion. Rather, a frame member 702, formed as aplate, includes an outwardly extending flange 704, which is preferablyangled slightly from the end of the concave insert. On the other end ofthe concave insert 782, a pair of posts or pins 706, each having atapered or frusto-conical end portion 708, extend from frame member 92.The pins 706 are dimensioned to be received in the openings 94 formed inthe end of the concave insert 80.

[0074] To install the concave inserts 80, 82, one of the concaveinserts, for example the right concave insert 80, is introducedtransversely through one of the subopenings 70 formed between one pairof rib members 66 making up the frame 60. The hook portions 86 on theend of the concave insert, with its curved bearing plate 96, is disposedon the pivot member 178 so as to be pivotally engaged therewith. Theopposite, lower end of the concave insert 80 is then pivoted about thepivot member 178 until the holes 94 in the lowermost plate member 92 arealigned with the holes 72 in the frame member 68. The opposite sideinsert 82 can be similarly installed and pivoted about pivot member 180into position, whereinafter a bolt or like fastener can be installedthrough each of the lower most plate members 92 and the frame member 68to releasably secure the concave inserts 80, 82 to the frame member 66and to each other. During these operations. the lower ends of theconcave inserts can be rested on the support member 74 to ease the loadon the installer and to facilitate the installation of the inserts

[0075] Alternatively, it should be understood that the ends of theconcave inserts can be individually secured to the plate member withfasteners. In yet another alternative, the longitudinally extendingframe member is omitted, and the lowermost plate members abuttinglyengage, whereinafter they can be fastened together with bolts, screwsand the like. It should be understood that bolts or other like fastenerscan also be installed through the side frame members so as to attach theside flanges to the adjacent rib members or to the side frame members ofthe next concave insert arranged along the side thereof. When installed,the upper arcuate edge of the frame members is substantially flush withthe arcuate top edge 174 of the adjacent rib members 66.

[0076] To remove one of the concave inserts 80, 82, substantially thereverse operation is followed. In particular, the fasteners securing thelowermost plates 92 are removed, and the lowermost end of the concaveinsert 80, 82 is pivoted through the opening 70 between the rib membersabout the pivot member 178, 180 in an outwardly transverse directionaway from the rotor 28. The right side concave insert 80 is pivotedclockwise about pivot member 178 when viewing the assembly from thefront looking back. The left side concave insert 82 is pivoted in anopposite counterclockwise direction about pivot member 180. The bearingplate 96, with the supporting hook portions 86, can thereafter bedisengaged from the pivot members 178, 180. A replacement concave insert80, 82 can thereafter be installed in the manner described above. Inoperation, it may be desirable to remove or replace one or more concaveinserts with concave inserts having different size apertures whendifferent crops are being harvested. It may also be desirable to removeor replace one or more concave inserts if they become damaged, forexample, by the introduction of a foreign object such as a rock betweenthe concave insert and the rotor. The above configuration and sequenceof installation greatly facilitates the removal and replacement of theinserts.

[0077] In particular, by providing two concave inserts that form thecircumferential threshing span, the inserts can be made lighter, whileat the same time providing for a larger overall threshing span. Itshould be understood that the circumferential span could be furtherdivided by three, or even mole. concave inserts, with additional concaveinserts supported by the frame between the two concave insertsreleasably mounted as described herein, but with their lower endscircumferentially spaced. In this way, the circumferential spans of theconcave inserts could be reduced even more, thereby making them lighterand less bulky. Similarly, since the frame, which is affixed to thesupport structure, is constructed to absorb the threshing loads, theconcave inserts can be made with smaller side frame members, therebyalso making them lighter and more manageable for the user or installer.In addition, the transverse removal of the concave inserts from the sideof the frame eases the burden of replacement as the insert can beaccessed and replaced from the side of the combine, when configured withan axially extending rotor, without disturbing the installation of theother concave inserts.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, best shown in FIGS. 20-22, theright side concave insert 80 is installed first by pivotally engagingthe pivot member 178 with hook portion 86. The concave insert is pivotedinto position and fasteners, preferably bolts, are installed thoughopening 470 in the frame rib member 466 and opening 700 in the concaveinsert frame member 84. In this position, the openings 94 are alignedwith the openings 72 formed in the frame member 468. Next, the left sideconcave insert 782 is installed by inserting the pins 706 through theopenings 72 and into the openings 94 formed in the right side concaveinsert. The concave insert 782 is then pivoted into position. The endmember 702 is then secured to the flange 590 of the bracket withfasteners. The concave insert 782 can be further secured to the ribmembers 466 with fasteners passing through openings 700. It should beunderstood that the bolts securing the frame members 84 on either insert80 and 782 are optional.

[0079] Now referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, alternative methods ofconnecting abutting concave inserts arranged in an end-to-endconfiguration are shown. In these embodiments, the frame member 68 hasbeen eliminated, or, the frame itself has been omitted, with theconcaves being directly attached to the support structure. As usedherein, the term concave is meant to refer to a concave insert supportedby a frame, or to a concave member that is directly secured to thesupport structure without a separate supporting frame.

[0080] In FIG. 16, the lowermost end of one concave is configured with alongitudinally extending bottom hook portion 222 forming a channelopening upwardly along one end thereof. A pair of openings 224 areformed in the plate member above the hook portion. The lowermost end ofthe mating concave is configured with a pair of transversely extendingpost members 228 dimensioned to be received in the openings 224 of theplate member. In operation, the bottom edge 226 of the plate member isinserted into the channel of the hook portion 222, while the postmembers 228 are received in the openings 224. Because the threshingloads are applied radially outward along the circumferential span of theconcaves, the interface of the abutting concaves reacts out the loadthrough a moment applied by the bottom edge 226 of the plate memberpulling on the hook portion, and an engagement between the upperportions of the abutting plates. The post members 228 engaged with theholes 224 further absorb the shearing loads applied between the concavesand maintain the engagement between the concaves.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 17, a longitudinallyextending tongue portion 230 formed along one plate member engages agroove 232 on the mating plate member so as to absorb any shear loadbetween the abutting concaves.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment, the concave assembly does notinclude a supporting frame. In this embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, theconcave assembly includes a plurality of left and right side concaves280, 282 with side frame members each having lug portions 284, 286extending transversely from the uppermost ends thereof. On the leftside, a sealing bracket is attached to the end of the concave andincludes the lug portion 286. In this embodiment, the right sideconcaves further include a pivot member 288 that extends longitudinallybetween the lug portions of the side frame members. The pivot member288, configured as a shaft, is engaged by a hook portion 290 connectedto and extending downwardly from the overlying support structure 200.The hook portion 290 can be pivotally attached to the overlying supportstructure. The interface 292 of the lowermost ends of the concavesarranged in an end-to-end configuration can be connected using any ofthe methods described above. For example, they can be connected withfasteners or with an edge/hook engagement and mating shear components.In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the side frame members of the concave 280,282 are made more robust such that they can carry the threshing loadsapplied thereto to the overlying support structure.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a frame 260is shown as including five longitudinally spaced and transverselyextending rib members 266, with the forwardmost rib member having aplurality of rearwardly extending post members 268 extending throughopenings formed therein. The post members 268 extend from the supportstructure disposed in front of the forwardmost rib member. In thisembodiment, a plurality of eight concave inserts 380 are elongated inthe longitudinal direction, rather than in the transverse direction. Ofcourse, it should be understood that the number of inserts could be moreor less than eight. Each concave insert 380 includes a plurality ofarcuate, transversely extending side frame members 382 and rods 384, anda plurality of longitudinally extending bar members 386 intersecting andconnecting the rods and side frame members. The forwardmost side framemember 382 includes a pair of transversely extending lug portions 398each having an opening 392 formed therein. The openings 392 are shapedto receive the post members 268 extending from the support structurethrough the frame member.

[0084] In addition, each of the rib members 266 includes a cutout 394portion shaped to receive the lug portions 390 as the concave insertsare slid longitudinally along the rib members 266 and into engagementwith the post members 268. The cutout 394 is defined by oppositesidewalls 396 and a bottom edge 398. The plate members 386 of theconcave inserts ride along the bottom edge 398. The frame rib membersalso include a groove 400 extending downwardly from a top edge thereofbetween the cutouts 394. An intermediate longitudinally extending platemember 388 of the concave insert extends downwardly from the bottom edgeof the side flange 382 and is dimensioned to be received in the groove400 as the concave insert is slid along the length of the frame and intoengagement with the post members 268. The rib member 266 is alsoprovided with a pair of openings formed therethrough adjacent the edgesof each cutout. Preferably, the rearmost rib member 266 is secured withfasteners extending though the openings. The frame member 382 of theconcave insert can also include post members that are shaped to bereceived in the openings formed in the side of the next adjacent concaveinsert arranged in the side-by-side configuration. Alternatively, bolts,pins or like fasteners can interconnect the longitudinally abuttingconcave inserts. A rod 402 extends longitudinally through the ribmembers 266 below the concave inserts to stabilize the rib members fromlongitudinal deflection.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the support structure includes aplurality of hook members 290 extending downwardly therefrom adjacentthe ends of the concaves along the right side of the assembly. The hookmember 290 is supported by a bracket 294, which is attached to themodified Z-shaped member 202. The hook member 290 can be fixedly mountedto the bracket, or it can be pivotally mounted thereto so as to providea transverse, lateral movement of the concaves 280, 282. The end of thehook member 290 forms a transversely, inwardly facing opening 296dimensioned to receive the longitudinally extending pivot member 288attached to the end of the concave. An adjacent locking device 300 ispivotally mounted to the support structure about axis 302 with a pin orlike shaft below the hook member, and includes a hook portion 304extending transversely inward from the pivot axis 302, and an armportion 306 extending transversely outward from the pivot axis. The hookportion 304 is pivotable about axis 302 between a disengaged position,shown in FIG. 15, and an engaged position, shown in FIG. 14. In theengaged position, the hook portion 304 substantially closes the opening296 formed by the hook member 290 so as to prevent the pivot member frombeing disengaged with the hook member. In the disengaged position, thehook portion is pivoted away from the opening, wherein the pivot member288 can be disengaged from the hook portion 290 by removing it throughthe opening 296. The lock device further includes a longitudinallyextending lock bar 308 that extends between and connects the ends of thearm portions 306. The lock bar 308 can be grasped by the user androtated so as to pivot the locking device between the engaged anddisengaged positions

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, a grate 36 is shown as includingfour transversely extending primary rib members 240 and a plurality oftransversely extending secondary rib members 242 longitudinally spacedbetween the primary rib members. The grate also includes a plurality oflongitudinally extending bar members 244 secured to the top of the ribmembers by welding or the like. Each of the primary rib members 240includes an end portion 246 that is mounted to the support structurewith bolts. It should be understood, however, that a grate assemblycould be constructed which operates similarly to the concave assembliesdescribed herein. Moreover, it should be understood that the terms“concave” and “concave insert,” as used herein and in the appendedclaims, should be defined as including grates and grate insertsrespectively.

[0087] For example, as best shown in FIGS. 18 and 23-25, the grateassembly could include a frame 860 that supports a plurality of grateinserts 880 and 982, which are removable therefrom in a transversedirection. The frame can be further be configured to be transverselymoveable. The grate inserts could be secured to the frame or to eachother as described hereinabove. In the preferred embodiment, the frame860 includes a plurality of rib members 866 extending transversely andcircumferentially from one side of the frame to the other. On one sideof the frame, a pivot member 878 extends longitudinally through the endsof the rib members 866, while a bracket member 867 interconnects theends. On the other side, a mounting bracket 882, formed as a C-channelwith an outwardly extending flange 884, is connected to the rib members866. A longitudinally extending frame member 868 connects the ribmembers and includes a plurality of openings 872. In addition, alongitudinally extending rod is offset from the frame member 868 andfurther connects the rib members 866.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the grate inserts 880, 982 includea plurality of transversely extending rib members 242 longitudinallyspaced along the insert The grate further includes a plurality oflongitudinally extending bar members 244 secured to the top of the ribmembers by welding or the like. The rib members 242 on the grate insert880 further include hook portions 890. An end frame member 892 includesa pair of openings 894 The grate insert 982 includes an end frame member984 and a pair of posts 1006, or pins, extending therefrom, with eachend having a tapered, or frusto-conically shaped end portion whichfacilitates the insertion of the pin into a mating opening. The pins aredimensioned to be received in and inserted through openings 872 in theframe member 868 and the openings 894 formed in the grate insert 880. Aframe member 1012 includes an outwardly extending flange 1014, which ispreferably angled slightly from the end of the concave insert so as tomate with flange 884 on the frame. Fasteners are installed to releasablyconnect the grate insert with the frame, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0089] The grate inserts are installed in a similar fashion aspreviously described for the concave inserts. In particular, the grateinsert 880 is first inserted through one of the openings 1016 formedbetween the rib members 866. The hook portions 890 are pivotallysupported on the pivot member 878. The grate insert is then pivoted intoposition where it can be held with fasteners extending through openings1000 formed in the rib members 866. The grate insert 982 is theninserted through an opposite opening 1016 while the pins 1006 areinserted through openings 872 and 894, so as to secure the grate member880 in place. The grate insert 982 is then moved into position such thatflange 1014 abuts flange 884, whereinafter the flanges can be securedone to the other with fasteners and the like. During this installation,the grate insert 982 can be rested on the rod 867 to alleviate the loadbeing applied by the user as the grate insert is maneuvered intoposition. A similar rod can be installed on the concave frame describedabove to provide a support or resting member for one or more of theconcave inserts. Conversely, a support member can be installed on one ormore sides of the frame member 868, as described above with respect tothe concave frame.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described with referenceto preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoingdetailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limitingand that it is the appended claims. including all equivalents thereof,which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A rotary combine comprising: a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation; a support structure disposed adjacent said rotor; a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around said rotor, each of said first and second sides moveably mounted to said support structure, wherein each of said first and second sides is transversely moveable relative to said longitudinal axis of rotation; and a concave insert removably mounted to said frame, said concave insert outwardly removable from said frame in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis of said rotor.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises a first and second shaft each defining an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of said rotor, wherein said first side of said frame is pivotally connected to said first shaft and wherein said second side of said frame is pivotally connected to said second shaft.
 3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said support structure further comprises a first arm extending radially from said first shaft, a second arm extending radially from said second shaft, and a link having a first and second end, said first end of said link pivotally connected to said second arm, wherein said first arm is pivotally connected to said first side of said frame and said second end of said link is pivotally connected to said second side of said frame.
 4. The invention of claim 2 wherein said first and second arms extend radially from said first and second shafts respectively at substantially a right angle to each other.
 5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said first arm extends radially downward from said first shaft and said second arm extends radially inward from said second shaft, wherein rotation of said first shaft causes said frame to move in a laterally transverse direction relative to said rotor and rotation of said second shaft causes said second side of said frame to move in a vertically transverse direction relative to said rotor as said frame pivots about said first arm.
 6. The invention of claim 1 wherein said concave insert comprises at least a first and second concave insert spaced circumferentially around said rotor in an end-to-end configuration.
 7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said first concave insert comprises a first end connected to said first side of said frame and a second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor from said first end and connected to at least one of said frame and said second concave insert.
 8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said second concave insert comprises a first end connected to said second side of said frame and a second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor from said first end, said second end of said second concave insert connected to at least one of said second end of said first concave insert and said frame.
 9. The invention of claim 8 wherein said frame comprises a longitudinally extending frame member spaced between said first and second sides of said frame, said frame member disposed between and connected to said second ends of said first and second concave inserts.
 10. The invention of claim 1 wherein said concave insert comprises a first and second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor, wherein said second end is releasably, pivotally mounted to one of said first and second sides of said frame such that said second end of said concave insert can be pivoted transversely outwardly from said frame as said concave insert pivots about said first end.
 11. The invention of claim 10 wherein said frame comprises a longitudinally extending shaft and wherein said first end of said concave insert comprises a hook shaped to engage said shaft of said frame.
 12. The invention of claim 1 wherein said frame further comprises at least a first and second transversely extending rib member extending between said first and second sides of said frame, said first and second rib members longitudinally spaced and defining an opening therebetween, said concave insert dimensioned to be removable from said frame through said opening.
 13. The invention of claim 12 wherein said first and second rib members each have first and second ends, said first and second sides of said frame comprising said first and second ends of said first and second rib members respectively, with said first and second ends of said rib members being moveably mounted to said support structure.
 14. The invention of claim 1 wherein said frame is transversely translatable relative to said longitudinal axis of rotation and is transversely pivotable about an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis of rotation.
 15. The invention of claim 3 further comprising a first and second actuator operably connected to said first and second shaft of said support structure respectively, said first and second actuators operable to rotate said first and second shafts so as to move said first and second sides of said frame respectively.
 16. The invention of claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises an upper portion comprised of two inclined surfaces.
 17. The invention of claim 16 wherein said upper portion with its inclined surfaces defines a floor of a grain bin formed thereabove.
 18. The invention of claim 16 wherein said support structure further comprises a lower portion circumferentially surrounding said rotor and a plurality of support members extending [between said upper and lower portions.
 19. The invention of claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced bulkheads.
 20. The invention of claim 19 wherein said support structure further comprises a spine member connecting said plurality of bulkheads.
 21. The invention of claim 19 further comprising a cover member extending between said bulkheads, wherein said cover member is radially spaced from said rotor.
 22. The invention of claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises a truss.
 23. A rotary combine comprising: a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation; a longitudinally extending frame comprising first and second sides spaced circumferentially around said rotor and at least a first and second rib member extending transversely between said first and second sides of said frame, said first and second rib members longitudinally spaced and defining an opening therebetween; and at least a first and second concave insert, each of said first and second concave inserts comprising a first and second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor, said first end of said first concave insert removably mounted to said first side of said frame and said first end of said second concave insert removably mounted to said second side of said frame, each of said first and second concave inserts dimensioned to be removed from said first and second sides of said frame respectively in a transverse direction through said opening and away from said rotor.
 24. The invention of claim 23 wherein said first side comprises a longitudinally extending support shaft and wherein said first end of said first concave insert is removably mounted to said support shaft on said first side of said frame respectively.
 25. The invention of claim 24 wherein said first end of said first concave insert comprises a hook dimensioned to pivotally engage said shaft on said first side.
 26. The invention of claim 23 wherein said second ends of said first and second concave inserts are connected to each other.
 27. The invention of claim 26 wherein said second ends of said first and second concave inserts are abuttingly engaged.
 28. The invention of claim 26 wherein said frame further comprises a longitudinally extending frame member connecting said first and second rib members intermediate said first and second sides of said frame, wherein said second ends of said first and second concave inserts abut opposite sides of said frame member.
 29. The invention of claim 24 wherein said first and second rib members each have a first and second end, said first and second sides of said frame comprising said first and second ends of said first and second ribs respectively, with said shaft on said first side of said frame extending between and connecting said first ends of said first and second rib members.
 30. The invention of claim 23 wherein said frame comprises four rib members forming at least three openings, and wherein said at least a first and second concave insert comprises six concave inserts comprising three pairs of concave inserts arranged in an end-to-end configuration, with each of said pairs disposed in one of said at least three openings formed between said rib members.
 31. The invention of 23 wherein said first and second concave inserts together extend circumferentially between about 160 degrees and 190 degrees around said rotor.
 32. A rotary combine comprising: a rotor having a longitudinal extent and defining a longitudinal axis of rotation; a support structure overlying said rotor, said support structure having an upper portion comprised of two upwardly inclined surfaces, a lower portion circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of said rotor and a plurality of support members extending between said upper and lower portions; a concave assembly having opposite ends circumferentially spaced around said rotor, said opposite ends of said concave assembly supported by said support structure.
 33. The invention of claim 32 wherein said top portion with its inclined surface supports a grain bin formed thereabove.
 34. The invention of claim 32 wherein said concave assembly comprises at least one side pivotally supported by said support structure.
 35. The invention of claim 32 wherein said lower portion of said support structure and said concave assembly together circumferentially surround substantially the entirety of said rotor.
 36. The invention of claim 32 wherein said plurality of support members form a truss.
 37. The invention of claim 32 wherein said plurality of support members comprises a plurality of bulkheads.
 38. A rotary combine comprising: a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation; a first concave having a first and second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor. said first end of said first concave releasably, pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of rotation of said rotor; and a second concave having a first and second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor, said first end of said second concave releasably, pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of rotation of said rotor, said second pivot axis circumferentially spaced around said rotor from said first pivot axis; and wherein said second ends of said first and second concaves are disposed proximate one another with said first ends of each of said first and second concaves extending away in opposite directions therefrom and wherein said first and second concaves are pivotable around said first and second pivot axis in opposite directions respectively.
 39. The invention of claim 38 wherein said second ends of said concaves are connected.
 40. The invention of claim 39 wherein said second ends are abuttingly engaged.
 41. A rotary combine comprising: a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation; a concave having a first and second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor, said first end of said first concave releasably, pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of rotation of said rotor; and a locking member pivotable between an engaged position wherein said locking member engages said first end of said concave and a disengaged position wherein said locking member is disengaged from said first end of said concave.
 42. The invention of claim 41 wherein said first end of said concave comprises a pivot shaft and wherein said locking member comprises a hook portion said hook portion shaped to engage said pivot shaft and pivotable between said engaged and disengaged positions.
 43. The invention of claim 41 further comprising a support structure comprising a hook member supporting said pivot shaft.
 44. The invention of claim 43 wherein said hook member has an opening dimensioned to receive said pivot shaft as it is disposed on said hook member for support thereon, and wherein said hook portion of said locking member substantially closes said opening when positioned in said engaged position so as to prevent said pivot shaft from passing therethrough.
 45. A method for adjusting the position of a concave assembly relative to a rotor in a rotary combine, said method comprising: providing said rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation; providing a support structure disposed adjacent said rotor; providing said concave assembly comprising: a longitudinally extending frame having first and second sides spaced circumferentially around said rotor, said first and second sides each moveably mounted to said support structure; and a concave insert removably mounted to said frame, said concave insert outwardly removable from said frame in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis of said rotor; moving at least one of said first and second sides of said frame in a transverse direction relative to said rotor.
 46. The invention of claim 45 wherein said step of moving said at least one of said first and second sides comprises moving said first side of said frame in a transverse, lateral direction.
 47. The invention of claim 45 wherein said step of moving said at least one of said first and second sides comprises moving said second side of said frame in a substantially transverse, vertical direction.
 48. The invention of claim 45 wherein said step of moving said at least one of said first and second sides comprises moving said frame in a substantially transverse, lateral direction and pivoting said second side of said frame in a transverse direction around a pivot axis located on said first side of said frame, said pivot axis being substantially parallel to said axis of rotation of said rotor.
 49. A method for replacing a concave insert in a rotary combine, said method comprising: providing a rotor having a longitudinal extent and a longitudinal axis of rotation; providing a support structure disposed adjacent said rotor; providing a longitudinally extending frame comprising first and second sides spaced circumferentially around said rotor and at least a first and second rib member extending transversely between said first and second sides of said frame, said first and second rib members longitudinally spaced apart and defining an opening therebetween; providing at least a first and second concave insert, each of said first and second concave inserts comprising a first and second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor, said first end of said first concave insert releasably secured to said first side of said frame and said first end of said second concave insert releasably secured to said second side of said frame, said each of said first and second concave inserts dimensioned to pass through said opening in an outwardly, transverse direction relative to said rotor; removing said first concave insert through said opening; providing a replacement concave insert having a first and second end; inserting said replacement concave insert through said opening.
 50. The invention of claim 49 wherein said first side comprises a longitudinally extending support shaft, and wherein said first end of said first concave insert is releasably and pivotally engaged with said support shaft on said first side of said frame, wherein said step of removing said first concave insert comprises pivoting said first concave insert through said opening about said support shaft on said first side of said frame.
 51. The invention of claim 50 wherein said first end of said first concave insert and said replacement concave insert comprises a hook dimensioned to pivotally engage said shaft on said first side of said frame.
 52. The invention of claim 49 wherein said second ends of said first and second concave inserts are abuttingly engaged.
 53. The invention of claim 49 wherein said frame further comprises a longitudinally extending frame member connecting said first and second rib members intermediate said first and second sides of said frame, wherein said second ends of said first and second concave inserts abut opposite sides of said frame member.
 54. The invention of claim 50 wherein said first and second rib members each have a first and second end, said first and second sides of said frame comprising said first and second ends of said first and second ribs respectively, wherein said shaft on said first side of said frame connects said first ends of said first and second rib members.
 55. A method for replacing a concave insert in a rotary combine, said method comprising: providing a rotor having a longitudinal extent and a longitudinal axis of rotation; providing at least a first and second concave, each of said first and second concave comprising a first and second end spaced circumferentially around said rotor, said first end of said first concave releasably, pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis, said first pivot axis substantially parallel to said axis of rotation of said rotor, and said first end of said second concave releasably, pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to said axis of rotation of said rotor, said second pivot axis circumferentially spaced around said rotor from said first pivot axis; pivoting said second end of said first concave around said first pivot axis in an outwardly, transverse direction relative to said rotor; disengaging said first end of said first concave from said structure at said first pivot axis; providing a replacement concave having a first and second end; engaging said first end of said replacement concave with said structure at said first pivot axis; pivoting said second end of said replacement concave about said first pivot axis in an inwardly transverse direction relative to said rotor.
 56. A rotary combine comprising: a rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation; a concave assembly disposed circumferentially around said rotor and comprising a plurality of concaves outwardly removable away from said rotor in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis of said rotor; and means for transversely adjusting the position of said concave assembly relative to said rotor.
 57. The rotary combine of claim 56 wherein said means for transversely adjusting comprises a support structure comprising a first and second shaft each defining an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of said rotor and spaced circumferentially around said rotor, a first arm extending radially from said first shaft and pivotally connected to said concave assembly at a first pivot axis, a second arm extending radially from said second shaft, and a link comprising a first and second end, said first end pivotally connected to said second arm and said second end pivotally connected to said concave assembly at a second pivot axis, wherein said first and second pivot axis are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of said rotor and to said axes of rotation of said first and second shaft. 